Exactly What Cancer Looks Like

Exactly What Cancer Looks Like

Sixty-six readers have told us our annual self-check helped them find cancers and precancers. “One picture looked like it was taken of a mole on my leg; it was identical,” says Beth Stump, 40, who had early-stage melanoma. Look at your own lumps and bumps: If you see any of these ABCDE warning signs—or have a spot that looks like any of the abnormal ones at right—see your doctor ASAP.

A. Asymmetry: One half looks different than the other

B. Borders: Blurred or jagged edges

C. Color: Blue-black, or more than one color

D. Diameter: Anything larger than a pencil eraser

E: Evolving: Changes or growth

Early-Stage Melanoma

See the slight difference in colors and texture? Those are classic signs of melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer. If found early, it’s nearly 100 percent curable.

Late-Stage Melanoma

Note the almost black hue and uneven borders of this cancerous mole on another patient of Dr. Rigel’s. If it spreads to other organs, untreated melanoma can be fatal.

Photo: Darrell S. Rigel, M.D.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

This type of cancerous spot often appears on the palms, toes and soles of the feet in darker-skinned people and African Americans.

Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation

Actinic Keratosis

These flaky, scaly patches are caused by sun damage and indicate an increased risk of skin cancer. Untreated AKs can sometimes develop into cancer.

Photo: Darrell S. Rigel, M.D.

Normal Mole

The border is symmetrical, there is no crusting and it isn’t larger than a pencil eraser. Normal moles are all one hue; they may be light or dark brown, pink or the same color as the rest of your skin.

Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation

Abnormal Mole

Also called dysplastic nevi, these spots aren’t malignant yet, but they have the potential to become cancerous. Doctors often want to remove them just to play it safe.

Photo: Darrell S. Rigel, M.D.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC isn’t as dangerous as melanoma, but it can spread to bone or other tissues if left untreated. It used to occur only in older patients, but now crops up in younger ones, too.

Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SCCs usually occur in sun-exposed areas on the face, ears and lips. But they
can develop from AKs and, on rare occasions, even from scars.